Stylist: Jason Bolden
Outfit: custom Balenciaga by Demna Gvasalia
Tailor: Sophie Stonyer x Karen Avenell
Makeup Artist: Wendy Rowe
Hairstylist: Sam McKnight using Hair By Sam McKnight
Shoes: Balenciaga
Jewelry: Roberto Coin
Today I wanted to bring back a bit of method styling, which sometimes can be barely detectable unless you watch a myriad of movies and series and unless you are up to speed with online discourse.
Seen that I am well versed in both because of what I do, references and themes do come naturally to me and I am glad I can share with you things that I can see through a probably different perspective that others may have.
That being said, let’s explore together what Nicole Kidman wore to last year’s GQ Men of the Year Awards in London.
Kidman donned (what seemed to be) a fiery red custom-made iteration of a look from the Balenciaga Summer 2025 collection, featuring full-length sleeves, a turtleneck and slim-line silhouette.
The back of the dress was laced up from neck to hem with a length of criss-crossing red silk, the trailing end of which the actress held in her hands while strutting on the red carpet.
She complemented her attire with a matching pair of light red Balenciaga Square Knife pumps and a Roberto Coin Pavé Diamond Cialoma Twist ring in 18kt white gold with a double band on her right index finger.
At the time, the erotic thriller movie “Babygirl” was the talk of the town and there were different publicity stunts being pulled like Nicole being boxed into a corner during interviews or drinking a glass of milk whenever an occasion arose (if you watched the film you know what I mean) and I think this dress was probably tied up (pun very much intended) to the BDSM nature of the flick.
Nonetheless Kidman wore the dress gracefully, in a if you know, you know manner, very evocative and sensual at the same time. No vulgarity, just plain fun with clothes and her femininity.
She was made up by Wendy Rowe who opted for an earthy smokey eye, accentuated with a black eyeliner flick and black mascara while her hair was styled in effortless, barely there waves by Sam McKnight using his own haircare line.
If you would like to replicate the look at home, here’s a little tutorial provided by the pro:
“- I started by blowdrying with Save the Do Style Starter.
With the cold snap in London and the dreaded drizzle I needed to protect her hair from humidity and give it some gloss.
– Using medium curling tongs I gave Nicole’s hair a barely there wave with a kiss of a tong.
Super quick, each section wrapped down the barrel with a mist of my Modern Hairspray to heat protect and give shine.
– I finished with a couple of drops of Love Me Do to glossify and glimmer for the red carpet.”
The “Holland” actress also sported a short, pristine, milky manicure.
The masterful Jason Bolden styled her for the event, an unwavering force in the fashion field who has truly reinvigorated the perception of the actress’ image.
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GQ Men of the Year celebrates stars from culture, entertainment, fashion and sport who have made the year, one to remember.
2024 marks its 27th edition.
